Here Are The 10 Best Places In Missouri To Visit On A Long Weekend
By Liz Oliver|Published April 27, 2018
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
With summer holidays coming, it’s time to start considering where to spend your long weekend. There are so many great destinations in the Show Me State. If you like big cities and bright lights, we’ve got it! If you enjoy relaxing in a beautiful, tranquil setting, we have that too! No matter what type of trip you’re planning, there is a destination in Missouri to suit your needs. Here are 10 of the very best places in the state to visit for a long weekend.
Did you know more people visit Branson each year than the Grand Canyon? With so much to do and see there is a reason why Branson is a top vacation destination. Catch an award-winning show, boat on Lake Taneycomo, ride roller coasters in Silver Dollar City, and dine at some of the best restaurants, all in one small Missouri town!
Whether you're planning a vacation or a staycation, St. Louis is the perfect destination. You can cheer on the Cardinals, see the city from the top of the Arch, enjoy great craft beer, or pig out on all the local delicacies. There's always something new in the Lou!
Nature lovers will flip over a trip to Eminence. Home to Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point Rivers, Eminence is one of the premiere floating and fishing destinations. It is also a great place for hiking. You'll find some of the most beautiful spots in the state just minutes from Eminence.
If you love history a trip to Independence is a must! Independence was the starting point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe pioneer trails. Former President Harry S. Truman called Independence home and today you can visit his presidential library and residence. For a unique experience take a stagecoach tour through town. You'll find there is a lot to do in this historic town!
We've called Springfield the most Missouri town in the state, and for good reason! This small metropolitan offers big city attractions and peaceful country settings all in one place. Visit caves, explore state parks, see a Cardinals game, or visit the world's largest wildlife attraction right here in Springfield. It's also the birthplace of the famous Route 66 making it a great road trip destination.
Missouri's largest city has something for everyone. Pig out on some of the best barbecue in the nation and wash it down with fantastic craft beer. Take your kids to Sea Life, Legoland, or the Crayola Cafe, all conveniently located in the Crown Center. Whether you need a romantic weekend or a family getaway Kansas City is a great choice for both!
A trip to the oldest town in the state is never a mistake. Ste. Genevieve brings Missouri's French heritage to the forefront. Visit the oldest home in the state, the Louis Bolduc Historic House for a look at Missouri's past. Relax at one of the many wineries or head out into the countryside on a rigorous hike.
Known to most Missourian's as "the Lake," Lake of the Ozarks is a place that's hard to say goodbye to. Missouri's largest man-made lake features stunning state parks, caves, castle ruins, wineries, great shopping, fantastic dining, and endless water activities. It's a popular destination for a reason!
Another great Missouri town full of history is St. Joseph. St. Joe known for starting the Pony Express and for ending the reign of outlaw Jesse James. Visit one of the many museums and enjoy spectacular views of the Missouri River while you're there.
When Missourian's think wine they often think of Hermann. This little German town is tucked into the rolling hills of mid-Missouri. You can visit one of the many wineries, enjoy lunch at the Hermann Wurst Haus, and stay in the historic Iron Horse Inn. Take the Amtrack in for easy traveling!
Have you spent time in any of these great Missouri towns? Tell us about your trip in the comments below.